Jesy Nelson's World Turns Darkest as Twins Diagnosed with Rare Muscular Disease
Pop sensation Jesy Nelson, who rose to fame with girl group Little Mix, has been left reeling after her eight-month-old twin daughters were diagnosed with a rare and devastating neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1.
The 34-year-old singer-songwriter broke down in tears while sharing the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that doctors have told her babies Ocean Jade and Story Monroe may never walk or regain neck strength, leaving them with significant disabilities. "We were told they're probably never going to be able to walk... they probably will never regain their neck strength so they will be disabled," Nelson said, her voice shaking with emotion.
SMA is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to wasting of certain muscles over time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is no cure for SMA, but therapies and medications can help manage symptoms. The condition is considered one of the most severe muscular diseases a baby can develop, and its progression can be rapid.
Nelson had initially flagged some concerns with her daughters' movement after just a few months old, which led to their diagnosis at eight months. Her mother noticed that the twins were not showing as much movement in their legs as they should have been. "A few signs then started to show a bit later on that they were struggling to feed properly," Nelson recalled. She urged parents to be vigilant and seek medical attention immediately if they notice any concerning symptoms.
The diagnosis has left Nelson feeling overwhelmed, with her babies requiring constant treatment and care. "If it's not treated in time, your baby's life expectancy will not make it past the age of 2," she warned, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Nelson's journey as a mother has taken a dramatic turn since welcoming her twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, in May 2025. After facing backlash over her appearance and singing style in 2021, she took a step back from the spotlight before returning with her new family. However, this latest development has left fans and friends in shock, as they try to come to terms with the challenges that lie ahead for the young mother and her babies.
Pop sensation Jesy Nelson, who rose to fame with girl group Little Mix, has been left reeling after her eight-month-old twin daughters were diagnosed with a rare and devastating neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1.
The 34-year-old singer-songwriter broke down in tears while sharing the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that doctors have told her babies Ocean Jade and Story Monroe may never walk or regain neck strength, leaving them with significant disabilities. "We were told they're probably never going to be able to walk... they probably will never regain their neck strength so they will be disabled," Nelson said, her voice shaking with emotion.
SMA is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to wasting of certain muscles over time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is no cure for SMA, but therapies and medications can help manage symptoms. The condition is considered one of the most severe muscular diseases a baby can develop, and its progression can be rapid.
Nelson had initially flagged some concerns with her daughters' movement after just a few months old, which led to their diagnosis at eight months. Her mother noticed that the twins were not showing as much movement in their legs as they should have been. "A few signs then started to show a bit later on that they were struggling to feed properly," Nelson recalled. She urged parents to be vigilant and seek medical attention immediately if they notice any concerning symptoms.
The diagnosis has left Nelson feeling overwhelmed, with her babies requiring constant treatment and care. "If it's not treated in time, your baby's life expectancy will not make it past the age of 2," she warned, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Nelson's journey as a mother has taken a dramatic turn since welcoming her twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, in May 2025. After facing backlash over her appearance and singing style in 2021, she took a step back from the spotlight before returning with her new family. However, this latest development has left fans and friends in shock, as they try to come to terms with the challenges that lie ahead for the young mother and her babies.